Controversy Erupts in School District Over Superintendent’s Firing

Memphis Schools board meeting discussing leadership issues

News Summary

A legal battle has emerged between former Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins and the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board over allegations of secret meetings, defamation, and misuse of taxpayer funds. Dr. Feagins’ amended lawsuit claims her termination was handled improperly, citing violations of the Open Meetings Act and the board’s use of public funds for crisis management. As she seeks reinstatement and damages, the school board insists on maintaining focus on student needs amid the controversy.

Memphis – A tumultuous legal battle has erupted between former Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins and the MSCS Board, as Feagins filed an amended lawsuit revealing allegations of secret meetings and defamation. This development raises significant questions about transparency and governance within the local educational system, as accusations of improper conduct have surfaced regarding her termination.

In the amended lawsuit, Feagins claims that her firing was preceded by undisclosed communications among board members, which she argues is a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Specifically, she points to an interview with school board member Towanna Murphy, where Murphy disclosed receiving phone calls regarding Feagins’ termination before it was officially made public. This revelation suggests that board members were coordinating efforts concerning Feagins’ dismissal without engaging in the required public discourse.

The lawsuit, which spans 40 pages, details a timeline leading up to Feagins’ termination, including a December 18, 2024, interview with Murphy about the prior discussions taking place via phone. Such actions, according to Feagins, imply that a secret meeting likely occurred, contravening legal protocols that mandate public discussion for such significant decisions.

Feagins’ amended lawsuit not only challenges the legality of her termination but also includes an accusation against Murphy for defamation. It alleges that Murphy insinuated Feagins was complicit in arranging to have her own car stolen, a claim that feeds into the broader narrative of misconduct that Feagins seeks to address through legal channels.

Central to the lawsuit is the claim that the MSCS Board engaged in discussions with the Carter Malone Group, a public relations firm, to manage the fallout from Feagins’ firing. The complaint alleges that over $43,000 of taxpayer funds were used for crisis PR efforts intended to mitigate public outcry over the termination. This raises ethical concerns about the use of public funds for private organizational issues.

Feagins is not only seeking reinstatement as superintendent but is also requesting approximately $500,000 in damages for what she describes as a termination without cause. Additional damages for legal fees and other related expenses are also sought as part of her complaint.

The ongoing situation has prompted mixed responses from the MSCS Board. While they acknowledge Feagins’ legal actions, they maintain their dedication to serving students and adherence to relevant laws. They emphasize their responsibility to ensure the continued smooth operation of the school district, even amidst the backdrop of these accusations.

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Dr. Feagins’ previous recognition at a Shelby County Board of Commissioners meeting, where her contributions during her tenure as superintendent were commended. Following her departure, she has expressed concerns regarding the fragility of community trust within the school system, highlighting an urgent need for stability in leadership and direction.

As legal proceedings develop, the fallout from this lawsuit could have lasting implications for the governance of Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the community as a whole. Stakeholders will be watching closely for potential changes in leadership dynamics and the board’s operations in the wake of these serious allegations.